Dig Into Your Software Instruments on 88 Fully Weighted Keys!

Computer-based production studios give you access to a practically infinite number of virtual instruments. From sampled strings to modeled analog synthesizers to fine-tuned, studio-recorded drum kits, a universe of voices and timbres is at your fingertips, and all can be controlled with a MIDI-over-USB controller keyboard. Only problem is, most controller keyboards feel less like keyboards and more like controllers. Not the Akai MPK88. Makers of the legendary MPC Music Production Center sampler-sequencers, Akai understands how important it is for electronic instruments to have the same feel and expressiveness of their acoustic predecessors. They've applied their decades of electronic music expertise to the MPK series, and the result is a USB controller that feels more like an instrument than any that have come before it. Plus, Akai has added features ported right from the MPC series for a fully featured studio tool that's equally adept as a keyboard instrument, a pad controller/sample sequencer, and the remote transport and mixing surface for your DAW.

A Keyboard Controller

The full-sized keys on the MPK keyboard are some of the best you can get on any USB controller, even those costing hundreds more. With fully weighted hammer action, pressure-sensitivity and aftertouch, they grant intimate, tactile control over otherwise antiseptic virtual instruments. Keys that feel this good are sure to inspire better performances, as well as make you want to spend more time making music. Solid, responsive pitch and mod wheels add to the MPK88's expressive capabilities, as do assignable inputs for expression and sustain pedals. MIDI in/out jacks allow control over hardware synths and modules as well. Hardware and software instruments alike will benefit from the advanced arpeggiator built right into the MPK, a multi-phrase, programmable arpeggiator that's tempo sync-able to DAW projects or external MIDI gear.

A Controller Keyboard

Supporting MIDI Machine Control protocol, the MPK88 can be used to trigger more than just notes in your DAW. A whopping 76 assignable rotary knobs, sliders, and buttons grant you hardware access to virtually any control parameter in any digital audio workstation. A dedicated transport section turns the MPK88 into the nerve center of your entire studio setup. Eight sliders, buttons and rotary encoders are arranged like a mixer for intuitive control over channel level, panning, and arming, should you choose. Alternately, use them to control various functions and effect parameters in plug-ins and virtual or rack-mount synthesizers. A big, backlit LCD screen clearly displays MIDI control presets and makes it easy to edit your own layouts as well.

MPC Features

Other keyboard controllers may have "trigger pads" that emulate the classic MPC's, but only the Akai MPK88 has the real deal. Sixteen genuine MPC pads, velocity- and pressure-sensitive, sit at the top center of the MPK. They're joined by familiar MPC functions like "full level," "16 level" and "note repeat" modes. A tap tempo control can be used to control both the note repeat and arpeggio functions in real time, and classic Akai "swing" can be applied as well. If you've ever programed on an MPC before, you'll be right at home, and if you haven't, you'll soon understand why the MPC has been held in such high regard for so long.

If you're looking to get more musical with your computer audio software, don't settle for a USB controller that's going to get in between you and your music. Get your hands on an Akai MPK88, and rediscover the excitement, passion and fun that your music's been missing.

Power Supply: USB Cable (Included) or Akai MP6 Power Supply (Not Included - only required if using Akai MPK-88 without a computer).

Product Description

The Akai Professional MPK88 is a professional performance keyboard controller with MPC production controls. The MPK88 draws on the design of the popular MPK49, the first keyboard ever to features MPC pads. This first-of-its-kind keyboard is ideal for performance, starting with a premium, fully weighted, hammer-action keyboard, adding MPC pads, Q-Link controls, and a selection of MPC technologies. The MPK88 is born for the stage and is equally at home in the studio.

Features
- 88-key fully weighted, hammer-action keyboard with aftertouch for expressive melodic creativity
- 16 genuine MPC pads with pressure and velocity sensitivity
- MPC pads access four banks each for instant access to 64 samples
- Control up to 72 software parameters with 24 assignable Q-Link knobs, buttons, and faders
- Key Split enables two different sounds from the same keyboard
- MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator aid in creative process
- Transport controls for use with sequencers and DAWs
- MPC Full Level, MPC 16-Level, Tap Tempo, and Time Division assist with tempo and dynamics
- MIDI output over USB, bus powered, class compliant: plug and play with one USB cable
- Comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software
- Works with virtually all MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software

Creative Input
MPK88 features an 88-key keyboard and 16 genuine MPC pads. The hammer-action keyboard is fully weighted and features aftertouch for expressive melodic control. The MPC pads are pressure and velocity-sensitive to capture every nuance of your creative concepts. The pads can access four banks of sounds, so you have 64 samples at your fingertips with the touch of a button.

The MPK88 places dedicated transport controls within your reach for easy control of some of the most important tracking and editing controls. The MPK88 has modulation and pitch-bend wheels for expressive musicality, and two assignable footswitch inputs enable you to connect an expression pedal or other continuous controller and a footswitch for momentary controls like patch change or start/stop.

Q-LINK Command
One of the most important input devices on an MPC is its Q-Link assignable control section. Akai Pro built a massive collection of Q-Links into the MPK series. The MPK88 gives you eight virtual knobs that are assignable to control nearly any software parameter. You can control three different parameters per knob thanks to the knobs' three-bank selection, totaling 24 parameters of instant, hands-on control. Like the virtual knobs, eight virtual faders and eight virtual buttons also control three banks of parameters each, so you get 24 virtual faders and 24 virtual buttons. That's 72 Q-Link controls!

Expressive Engine
Two technologies pioneered in the MPC series and built into the MPK series are MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing. These note-modifying features can be heard in many of the most popular tracks over the last two decades. MPC Note Repeat is a capability that enables the MPK (or MPC) to automatically play a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes on a hi-hat, for accuracy and speed of entry. MPC Swing is sometimes referred to as "the heart and soul of hip hop" because it turns perfectly aligned sequences into human feeling time alignments. You can specify exactly the degree and timing of swing you want to apply for the perfect feel.

The MPK88 has Key Split, enabling you to control two different sounds from the same keyboard. On top of MPC technologies, the MPK88 has its own arpeggiator, which enables you to create quick, creative riffs in seconds. Just pick a note or chord and a rhythm pattern in the arpeggiator's library and the MPK will play your notes in the rhythm and sequence you choose.

The MPK88 also has MPC Full Level and MPC 16-Level on its pads, as well as Tap Tempo and Time Division so you can nail the tempo, timing, and dynamics exactly as you hear them in your head.

Complete System
The MPK88 is a MIDI controller that sends its MIDI values over USB. It is bus powered, so all you need to connect and power the MPK88 is the supplied USB cable. Because it is MIDI compliant, the MPK88 works with most MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software for musical performers from keyboard players to producers to DJs and even VJs!

The MPK88 comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition, one of the most popular and powerful performance and production programs in the world. Ableton Live Lite enables musicians to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment.

Hit the stage with the only keyboard designed to enable you to perform the way today's music is made.

Power Supply: USB Cable (Included) or Akai MP6 Power Supply (Not Included - only required if using Akai MPK-88 without a computer).

"Great concept, manufacturing/physical design defects can make this a less than stellar purchase."

Sound:
N/A
Feature:
Drop Ableton live lite that comes with it or include something that at least a decent piano soft synth for demo'ing. It's doesn't have to be Ivory. But something to make this feel less than a toy for someone just getting into the midi game.
As for knobs/sliders/pads. It's enough for me without going bonzo with it. Fits my needs.
Ease of Use:
I like the feel, the knobs, the sliders. The keys are addictive to play which makes the problems even more difficult to stomach.
Quality:
Hefty and solid. I like that. But....
There are painful rattles. Play button was loose and buzzed on each time a key was pressed, even lightly. Two of the lower keys felt floppy -- all the other keys have uniform action -- the keys are adjacent and my guess is that some padding is missing at that spot (may be a gap).
It seems to me while they adopted the chassis of the other MPKs for this model, it doesn't suit the hammer action of the keys which causes things to rattle and shake more. The action changes the stress points while playing, and I think they should have spent more time understanding the mechanical dynamics of that before releasing.
I even tried out a second one at the store, to see if I had just picked up a bad one, and that one rattled worse in different spots. It may just be a build/yield issue that they'll resolve as more get sold.
Value:
While "weightier" with nice key bed, and solid knobs -- a few details drop the value down considerably such as loose buttons which rattle and the action of a few keys were inconsistent with the rest. I feel it almost lives up the price, but these defects now, unless something changes my mind, I'd say the value is only slightly better than the m-audio equivalent and not enough that the price justifies.
If it were about 30% less in price, I wouldn't be so annoyed at the flaws.
Manufacturer Support:
Just dealing with the local tech now -- hoping that it doesn't have to get sent away (and of course, I'd have to pay to ship a 70 lb keyboard there). If I have to ship it, I'm returning it and getting my money back.
The Wow Factor:
I like it. It's sturdy. A bit heavy to sling around, but heck, if you are buying a fully weighted 88 keyboard, they are not in general going to be light. If looking for portability, don't get it unless you've a strong back or good friends with strong backs.
Overall:
If the tech fixes the problems, and no rattling appears with moderate usage over the next 6 months, I'd say it's a pretty good overall and I just picked up a lemon initially. If the rattles return, or it can't be fixed to my satisfaction, I will be severely annoyed and my overall rating will drop considerable.
I'm giving it a 5 for now...

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